As we move closer and closer to the start of Paris in July it looks like we have about 40 bloggers joining us for the event this year which is fantastic. It is never too late to join in the fun just head to this post and add your name to the Mr Linky post page. We will be adding other Mr Linky pages or comments pages to our weekly wrap up posts for your reviews/writings from that week.
I have been doing some thinking about what I would like to read and watch during this years Paris in July event but I have also been thinking a lot about Paris itself - and what exactly is it about this city that captures the imagination of so many of us...
Unlike my co-host Tamara (who was lucky enough to be in France this time last year) I have only been to Paris once - but it was a trip I remember with great fondness and I can't wait to re-visit there (hopefully one day soon). Before my first visit to Paris I have to admit I wasn't one of those people who dreamt about the city of lights constantly (Italy actually holds that place in my heart) but after seeing the city for the first time I can definitely say I feel in love. I have been looking back over my travel journal from our trip trying to recapture those first impressions;
The majority of the day spent in airports, planes and buses but it was definitely all worth it when our bus took us through the city of Paris to our hotel. The trip from the airport took over 2 hours but I didn't care - every turn saw a more beautiful street or building or famous site come into view. It felt like something out of a novel - stunning! Even more amazing than I had dreamt it would be. I can't wait to explore further. I can already tell I will not want to leave...
And I didn't, when our time to leave Paris came only a few short days later I was devastated - that's the way Paris captures you I think.
What are some of your favourite memories or dreams of Paris - and how is Paris in July going to help you re-live them in some way? I would love to hear your thoughts...
16 comments:
Paris=walking. I never walked so much in my life. We took "Walking Paris" by Gilles Desmons with us on our trip. His books features a thorough walk for each of the districts in Paris. They are all wonderful--full of fascinating history and local gossip, and they take you to lots of wonderful out-of-the-way places most tourists don't have enough time to see.
My favorite was the Musee de la vie Romantique which I'm probably misspelling here. It's a little museum, down a long alley, with a wonderful courtyard garden, that features the one-time home of Georges Sand and Frederic Chopin and now holds a small but interesting collection of Orientalist Movement artworks.
I tell everyone, when you go to Paris, take Walking Paris with you. You'll be glad you did.
Just hopped over and signed up on the Mr Linky. Looking at my goodreads shelves, I have quite a few unread books set in France, so it should be a great opportunity to get to them.
I totally agree with CBJ about the walking. I'm in Paris at the moment and I could definitely do with new feet. If I had to single out *only* one thing I love about Paris it would be the street markets one stumbles upon by chance with the rows of cheeses, breads, gorgeous flowers (peonies at the moment), jars of honey and jams and confits, and so on, with unfamiliar fish and charcuterie and those wonderful chicken roasting ovens where the juices drip down onto the roasting potatoes. There has been a market like this a couple of mornings already opposite my hotel. It is such an insight into how locally people shop and how connected they are to the products they consume. We have good markets in Adelaide, but this is like having one on the doorstep of each suburb.
Coming up on 6 years since I last saw Paris...yes yes yes to the walking...the memories so strong. It was the third time I had been there, but the first that I really felt her spell. Looking forward to another month of reminiscences and reading!
Wow, that's tough. I was there in 2007 for a week and it was amazing. I think my favorite thing was just stumbling onto something fabulous so unexpectedly, either a restaurant or a shop or some wonderful surprise.
One of my favorite things was the Musee D'Orsay, and the most wonderful discovery I made was an exhibit by a painter called Jules Bastien-Lepage. I'd never heard of him but the exhibit was amazing. I tried to go back to the D'Orsay on my last day in Paris but the line was enormous and I never would have got in before the museum closed so I couldn't see it again. It probably wouldn't have been as magical the second time though.
Whilst I've visited quite a few bits of France, I've onyl realy passed through Pafris on the way to other places and I don't have a romantic image of it. Maybe I shouldn't be admitting that here but I do like the rest of France and their food and books!
Oh I so know what you mean in when you write about your first glimpse of Paris :) I got that same exact feeling when I first saw it after getting off the plane and taking that long bus ride :) Makes me want to go back!!
Hi C.B.James - thanks for the tip! We definitely did a lot of walking when we were in Paris but we didn't get a chance to take one of the tours.
Hi Sam - So glad you are joining us!
Hi bibliothas - so jealoous of you being in Paris right now!!
Hi ds - so glad we can help "take you back" to Paris in some way.
Hi Karen. K - I know what you mean, every corner you turn in Paris seems to hold something special.
Hi Ellie - I don't think that is such a bad thing to admit! I hope to be able to visit more of France when we next visit.
Hi Kelly - I know, I know!!
So well put. It does sink into your soul and makes you want to stay longer and return over and over again. I've only been their once as well, but we're already planning a stop there on a big trip we're taking in three years. I can't wait. Thanks for putting this whole thing together! I really love and enjoy every moment! :)
Paris does certainly worm it's way into your heart. I'm not sure why but as an Australian teenager I decided that I wanted to go to France, that I needed to go. It took me 20 years to get there (it is a long way from Australia), but finally I did in 1998, and I burst into tears as I stood in Tuileries for the first time. Maybe it was jet lag? Partly. I spent a week there in 98. In 2010 I spent two weeks in Paris. It was even more magnificent. Next year I hope to go back for a month. I love just being there. Yes, the vibe of the thing. I love the food, the champagne, the beaujolais, the history, the beauty, the mystique, the magic, the joie de vivre. Until I get back, I'm really looking forward to Paris in July. Just watching some Tour de France right now...
Paris in July is a super idea. This is the first time I've come across it. I posted a list of books I've throroughly enjoyed about Paris, if you interested. Take care. http://becomingmadame.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/paris-reading/
Paris in July is a super idea. This is the first time I've come across it. I posted a list of books I've throroughly enjoyed about Paris, if you're interested. Take care. http://becomingmadame.wordpress.com/2011/10/24/paris-reading/
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